Gov. Mills announces $8 million plan to improve Maine's child welfare system

PORTLAND (WGME) -- Governor Janet Mills announced a new multi-million-dollar plan Monday aimed at improving Maine's child welfare system.

The plan comes as the child welfare system has faced intense scrutiny in recent years.

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The $8 million plan looks to focus on the root causes of child abuse and neglect in the state.

It also includes bi-partisan legislation to strengthen the Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman.

That bill, which is co-sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans, would increase the ombudsman's term to five years and allow for the hiring of additional staff.

Currently the ombudsman only serves a one-year term and has one employee.

Besides legislation, the governor is also proposing investments to help fill staffing gaps, expand home visit coaching and a parent mentoring program.

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All of these steps were recommendations from child welfare experts in the state.

Mills issued a statement Monday about her plan.

“Every child in Maine deserves to grow up in a safe and stable environment that provides them with every opportunity for success. This is why my administration is working to address the underlying issues that often contribute to child abuse and neglect, like substance use disorder and poverty."

Mills' announcement comes as a number of lawmakers have already submitted several bills this session to improve oversight of the child welfare program.